The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is a prestigious and highly competitive award designed to promote educational access and diversity at American University (AU) in Washington, D.C. This scholarship aims to empower exceptional international students who have shown strong leadership potential and are committed to creating positive social change in their communities. The AU EGLS combines AU’s strengths in academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement, offering recipients not only financial support but also opportunities to cultivate their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to their home countries.
Program Objectives and Focus
The primary goal of the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is to identify and support young leaders who are passionate about using their education to make a difference. Scholars are expected to demonstrate a commitment to addressing social and economic challenges faced by under-resourced and underserved communities in their home countries. They should also be driven by a vision for positive change, using the knowledge and skills gained at American University to implement effective solutions in their local contexts.
AU encourages prospective applicants to explore the inspiring stories of current AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars and alumni to better understand the program’s focus on fostering a global impact through education and leadership.
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
For the 2025 intake, the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship offers:
- Full Scholarship Coverage:
Two full scholarships are available each year. These cover all billable expenses at American University, including:- Full tuition costs
- Housing and meal plan (room and board)
- Other university fees
This comprehensive funding is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided that the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance.
- New Partial Scholarships for 2025:
Starting in 2025, AU has introduced up to eight additional partial scholarships, each valued at up to US$40,000 per year. These partial scholarships are awarded to highly qualified candidates who have completed the AU EGLS application process but may not receive the full scholarship.Important Note: Candidates recommended for partial scholarships must provide proof of additional funding to cover the remaining costs. For example, if offered a US$40,000 per year partial scholarship, students must demonstrate the availability of US$42,000 (the difference not covered by the scholarship) to meet the total estimated cost of US$81,620 for the first year. - Non-Billable Expenses:
Recipients are responsible for covering non-billable expenses such as:- Mandatory health insurance
- Books and supplies
- Travel expenses (airline tickets)
- Personal expenses (estimated at around US$4,000 annually)
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- International Status:
- Must be an international student who needs a non-immigrant visa (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States.
- U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, dual citizens (including U.S. citizens), and those who are pending permanent resident status are not eligible.
- Educational Background:
- Applicants must have graduated or will graduate from secondary school after 2023 and must plan to enroll as a first-year undergraduate student at AU in the Fall of 2025.
- Students already enrolled in post-secondary education in their home country or the United States are not eligible to apply.
- Academic Excellence:
- Applicants should have an outstanding academic record, with a minimum 3.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent, and rank within the top 10% of their graduating class.
- English Language Proficiency:
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following tests:- TOEFL iBT: 95+ (with subscores of 20 or above)
- Paper-Based TOEFL: 24+ subscores (taken after May 31, 2017)
- IELTS: 7.0+ (with subscores of 6.0 or above)
- SAT Reading Subscore: 33+
- SAT Digital Version (EBRW): 630+
- ACT English: 29+
- PTE: 65+
- Duolingo: 125+ (with subscores of 115 or above)
- Cambridge Assessment English: 185+ (with subscores of 169 or higher)
- Demonstrated Leadership and Community Involvement:
Candidates should show a proven commitment to leadership, volunteerism, community service, and advancing the needs of people in their home country. - Preference for Certain Candidates:
- Preference will be given to students who have overcome significant challenges and those from diverse and underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Candidates currently enrolled in the IB Diploma or British A-Level system are expected to complete a full IB Diploma (with at least 3 HL subjects) or 3 A-Level courses.
Application Process
The application process for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship involves several steps. Candidates must follow these steps carefully to ensure they are considered for both the full and partial scholarships:
- Step 1: Submit the Common or Coalition Application
- Complete and submit the Common Application or Coalition Application for American University, along with all required supporting documents, before December 1, 2024. Follow the instructions in the AU International Application Checklist.
- Step 2: Submit the AU EGL Scholarship Application and Essays
- After completing the first step, submit the AU EGL Scholarship application and required essays through your applicant portal by the December 1, 2024, deadline.
- Create Your Applicant Portal
- Once you have applied to AU, you will receive instructions to create your applicant portal. This portal will be used to track your application status and submit additional documents.
- Submit Proof of Funds
- Submit a bank letter and a completed AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) confirming a minimum of US$4,000. Upload these documents via your applicant portal.
- Submit English Language Proficiency Scores
- Submit your official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, or Cambridge Assessment English Test score results before the December 1 deadline. Ensure that the official scores are sent directly to American University from the testing agency.
- Additional Documents for Special Programs
- If you are applying through a program supported by EducationUSA or if you are a past FLEX or YES scholarship recipient from the U.S. Department of State, provide a letter from your EducationUSA center’s adviser confirming your candidacy.
Selection Process and Notification
- December 1, 2024: All application materials must be received by AU.
- April 1, 2025: Finalists will be notified of their selection status.
- Zoom Interviews: Semi-finalists and finalists may be invited for an interview to further discuss their application and leadership potential.
Important Considerations
Students who are not selected for the AU EGL Scholarship may still be considered for partial merit scholarships at American University. To continue with the application process, however, they must provide proof of funds totaling up to US$81,620 for the first year.
Final Thoughts
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is more than just a financial award—it is an opportunity to join a community of global changemakers dedicated to making a difference in their countries. By providing substantial financial support and leadership development opportunities, this scholarship empowers international students to pursue their educational goals at one of the United States’ top institutions.
For more details on eligibility, application steps, and other requirements, visit the Official AU EGL Scholarship Website.
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